Coast Guard commisions energy efficient engineering facility

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard commissioned a new facility at Group/Air Station North Bend, Ore., on Wednesday, which will house components of aviation and facilities engineering.

The 20,500 sq. feet., $7.5 million building was designed to be environmentally efficient, which demonstrates the “Coast Guard’s dedication to sustainability,” said J. R. Lunsford of JKT Development.

The building contract called for a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) silver rating, which is intended to provide building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. However, the building’s overall energy efficiency exceeded expectations of a silver standard and has been submitted for a gold certification.

“Its increased efficiency will result in a 30 percent reduction in water consumption and a 25 percent reduction in energy usage,” said Lunsford. “The overall project was decades in the making and 92 percent of all contracts were given to Ore. contractors, with the majority being from North Bend, Coos Bay, Ore., and Bandon, Ore.”

Rear Admiral Keith A. Taylor, Coast Guard 13th District Commander, was the presiding official and stressed the importance of a higher level of pride for not only for the Coast Guard but also the community. This new facility allows Coast Guard members to move from inadequate temporary structures, to a much higher efficiency building with strong community ties.